Resistol Arena

Fort Worth usually comes to mind when anything cowboy, rodeo or Western is mentioned in these parts. But it was Mesquite, about 15 minutes east of Dallas, that the state legislature named "Rodeo Capital of Texas" in 1993. Mesquite Championship Rodeo has been offering real-deal rodeo-in' ever since the 1950s, featuring crazy clowns, fast horses, big bulls and brave cowboys and cowgirls.

Neal Gay grew up in Pleasant Grove, just south of Dallas, before opening the rodeo's doors in 1958. A roof was later added, and ESPN began televising rodeo contests in the mid-1980s. Just having had air conditioning installed the year before, the arena was acquired in 1999 by sports club owner Tom Hicks, owner of the Texas Rangers baseball and Dallas Stars hockey teams.

Resistol Arena, where the action takes place, has been visited by the likes of everybody from true-grit country folk to Prince Ranier of Monaco, Pres. Ronald Reagan and Pres. George W. Bush. Suites are available for watching the ring below, and the arena is attached to a six-story hotel for easy lodging.

Rodeo events
Bareback riding
Bull riding
Chuckwagon races
Cowboy poker
Cowgirl barrel racing
Team roping
Saddle bronc riding
Steer wrestling
Tie-down roping